20 Dalasis

The Central Bank of The Gambia issued the 20 Dalasis banknote in 2023 as the third denomination in its modernized 2019-2023 currency series. This blue polymer note measures 125 mm x 65 mm and bears the signatures of Buah Saidy and Dr. Abodulie Sireh Jallow. The denomination continues the tradition of featuring indigenous Gambian birds, with the red-billed firefinch chosen as the primary design element.

The obverse displays the red-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala), a small but vibrant bird common throughout sub-Saharan Africa and a familiar sight in Gambian gardens and agricultural areas, alongside the national coat of arms consisting of two lions holding an axe and hoe, a shield, a heraldic helmet, and an oil palm. The red-billed firefinch is notable for being the primary host of the village indigobird, a cuckoo-finch that mimics its songs and nesting habits.

The 20 Dalasis note sits in the middle of the denomination range and is one of the most commonly circulated notes in everyday Gambian transactions. The birds-themed design approach for Gambian currency was chosen to reflect the country's global reputation as one of Africa's top birdwatching destinations, supporting tourism and raising national pride in the country's extraordinary natural heritage.